A group gathered Tuesday in Bronson to discuss and learn more about a proposed recreational trail on the railroad bed between Sturgis and Coldwater.

Of the 18 who attended, some were strong advocates, others attended out of curiosity and several were neutral city managers listening to the conversation.

Nancy Krupiarz, executive director of Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance talked to the group about the steps needed to make the trail a reality.

It will face opposition, said Krupiarz, who has 17 years of experience in recreational trail planning.

Every completed trail had concerned adjacent landowners who feared the worst from having strangers near their property, Krupiarz said, but once the trail was completed, nearly all landowners became positive and saw the value of the trail, she said.

Having worked with rail trails for so long, Krupiarz understands the law and where to gather information. It is not a quick process, she said, nor is it inexpensive, but money is typically available for trails from the Michigan Transportation Alternatives Program and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust fund.

Trails are a top priority for the quality of life programs in the state as they promote healthy recreational lifestyles in a safe place, while preserving nature and offering shared green spaces, she said.

A priority for supporters Tuesday was to give the trail a name. Steve Van Zile of Sturgis, a trail advocate and a railroad history buff, suggested using “tamarack” in the name. A century ago during a railroad beautification program, the Sturgis-to-Coldwater stretch was planted with tamarack trees.

After some deliberation, supporters selected Tamarack Rail Trail for a proposed name.

The next goal for the Friends of the Tamarack Rail Trail is to obtain a 501(c)(3) status and meet with the public to address concerns.

A public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on March 19 at St. John’s Episcopal Church great hall in Sturgis. The group is prepared to answer questions and address concerns that have been brought forth so far, and community members are invited to comment, with a three-minute limit.

Krupiarz told Friends of the Tamarack Rail Trail that she and the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance are available to offer information, but work must come from the community.